#juenelle

Juenelle Barkie

These past few years have been busy for Meek Mill. He has had ongoing battles with the law, a personal relationship in the public eye, and the trending hashtag #FreeMeekMill. Since being released from prison after five months due to an unjustly sentencing Meek dove into his music doing what he does best. Depicting his trials, tribulation, and most profound of thoughts Meek has triumphantly announced his return.

Meek’s fourth album opens with a sample of Phil Collins’ In the Air Tonight. It is certainly not what I expected from Meek, but he makes it work into his rendition of the song. This whole album shows Meek’s growth as a person and as an artist. The album features many great artists like Jay Z, Future, Rick Ross and even Toronto’s very own, Drake. The two have publicly been known to not see eye to eye once upon a time. The album has tracks to vibe to like “Almost Slipped” and “24/7” featuring Ella Mai. It features heavy hitters like “What's Free” and “Uptown Vibes.” Meek’s has something for everyone on the album.

Juenelle Barkie

Being part of the MBM program means you are around an outstanding amount of talented human beings. We all have our hopes and dreams that add to our fuel to pave the way for ourselves in and out of the program. Cassie is one of the few who isn’t waiting till they graduate to hit the ground running. While currently a second year in the MBM program Cassie has started a record label at the young age of 19. Despite her quiet nature at school she continues to show why she can be and is a force to be reckoned with.

The Scarborough native, like many in the program, has had music play a ginormous role in her life since she was small. Her dad would play many of his favorite artists ranging from Credence Clearwater Revival to Notorious BIG over to Apache Indian. This helped Cassie find her passion for music and made her want to do something within the music industry.  She might not have become a musician, but she has still followed her passion for music saying, “there’s no other path I can imagine going down.” She continues to do well and enjoy her time in the MBM program but finds it hard sometimes to balance school and the label. Despite her being and school having a new record label that is trying to establish itself, there is still so much to learn.

Tom Boy is an independent record that started in late May of 2018. Cassie mentioned that smaller independent record labels nowadays take on the many roles like Management, A&R, and Production. This was a way for Cassie to be able to take on the many positions in the music industry that she wanted to do. The end goal is to be like Arts & Craft an Independent Record Label in Toronto with more than 100k followers on Facebook. She hopes to achieve a big following not to be popular but to make an impact. She wants to build a platform for people who are belittled or not even present in today’s music industry. Cassie would like others to see themselves represented saying “Growing up I never saw any queer people of colour or even Guyanese people being represented in the music industry, being able to change that would be cool.”

In August, she was able to take a big first step with her label hearing from a member of an Indie Pop band from Montreal who wanted to be signed to her label.  The band Civil House had already conquered their local audience and was looking to venture outwards. By September, Dean Dadidis the lead singer of the band and Cassie were able to both come into agreement about what they wanted for the band. She was able to have her first band signed and released their debut single “Why.” She looks forward to the new year with Civil House since they had recently recorded two new songs that would be released sometime in the new year. Her next goal for the label is to sign an R&B artist or producer from Toronto.  

Cassie continues to work hard and show that you don’t need to wait till graduation to achieve greatness you have to start. Her quiet, calm and unique nature aids in her success as a businesswoman and a student. The MBM program has an abundance of magnificent graduates, and she’s already one of them while only being in her second year.

Juenelle Barkie

Logic has returned showing that despite all the fame he shall always stay true to himself. He has had a busy few years from separating with his wife after only two years of marriage, performing at the VMA’s twice and even inviting a group of fans to a private listening of the new album. The Maryland native rapper continues to grow and share his story, and this Album doesn’t fall short.

 Logic’s fourth and final installment to his Young Sinatra series was released on September 28, 2018.  The album was a bit of a surprise for his devoted followers since all the previous Young Sinatra’s were Mixtapes; this only help build the anticipation for the record. In true Logic style, he included thank-you messages from his many fans across the world. He tweeted his phone number back in early September of this year telling his fans to call, and they will find out more information as to why. The outpour of messages he received was evident.  When Logic previously featured the messages, they were only from America and Canada. This time around you heard fans from Japan, Australia, South Africa, Israel, Jamaica and more. If that doesn’t show growth, I don’t know what it.

 Right out the gates Logic comes in with a trio of songs “Everybody Dies,” “The Return,” and “The Glorious Five.” All three beautifully smooth, hard hitters and lyrically present. You can’t deny that Logic is here for the real Rap music aside from the mumble rap that you mostly hear today. I would have to say “Glorious Five” is my favorite track out of the three. He never leaves anything off of the table laying it all down allowing his listeners to connect to him. One of the most famous tracks on the album is “Wu Tang Forever.” I don’t even know where to start, a person who is still seen as an up and comer having all living members of the most significant rap group ever featured on a track!!! This is entire universes apart from having a Drake feature on your album. Logic was able to hold his own amongst the highly decorated rappers while still playing such a small role in a track like this.

Juenelle Barkie

The music business management program at Durham College is filled with many talented students. It’s a collective of different genres coming together and being represented. Cameron is the leading student in the Country music genre and it’s easy to see why. This year, Cameron has been taken under the wing of Townline Artist Management within the program.

He started out like most kids who fall in love with music; being around it even while in the womb. He has played for as long as he could remember. Being around his dad, family, and friends who play as well. I found it very cute when he shared that his dad was the lead guitarist for his first band. If that is not a supportive dad, I don’t know what is. Cameron, as a natural born artist, shared that he was surprised at how supportive his family and friends were, have spoken with many artists I can say he is not alone.

 His focus currently, is honing his talent, pushing the bar, and to go as far as he can with his music. He has the talent, has had great experiences playing live shows, and has an awesome group of mentors he can rely on. His goal? - to write and record as much as possible. Keeping in mind the overall brand that he wants his fans to fall in love with. Within the next couple of months make sure you keep up to date with his socials for his new music that will be released on all streaming platforms. Cameron will be continuing into the new year with video shoots for two covers.

Juenelle Barkie 

The last weekend of September 2018 was a huge weekend for the rap scene; there was the release of Logics’ YSIV (Young Sinatra 4), and Lil Waynes’ The Carter V. It was supposed to be a triple header with the release of Kanye Wests’ Yandhi; which was announced on Twitter with a screenshot of an iMessage that had the album name and supposed release date. Since then, the day has come and passed and no new album from Kanye… it was later revealed that the album is scheduled to be released sometime in November. But guys, I have to tell you about THE CARTER V!

 I don’t even know where to start, where could you start for an album that was announced five years ago with a release date that was four years ago. The anticipation for this album had everyone on their toes, and the aftermath has been crazy. Wayne did his thing with this album showing a more mature softer side of himself. Diving deeper into all that has made up these pasts few years from the ongoing court battle with previous mentor Birdman, to relationships, vices, and more… not to mention that some of these songs are a couple of years old, so you have to give Wayne credit.

 I love the way the album started with “I love you Dwayne” which had no music but does have his mom as the star of the show. It’s a two-minute track with his mom talking (and even crying) about how much she loves him. It is so appreciative of her son with all that he has done and continues to do. If that wasn’t enough to get the waterworks going, the track that followed featured Florida-born, native rapper XXXTentacion who was killed back in June of this year. Despite X’s growth to stardom paving his path where it came to his rap career, Wayne did not know who X was before their collaboration. The chorus itself that was sung by X was recorded for a completely different song.

 I will say as far as beats go I love “Dedicate,” “Uproar,” and “Start This Sh-t Off Right.” “Dedicate” starts with a sample of 2Chainz which then become the chorus, but man can this beat bump. The beat fits perfectly with the two artists and the lyrical content. When it comes to “Uproar” Swizz Beats did his thing; it’s classily him and then you have Wayne jumping on the beat and murdering the track. Low-key (but Hi-Key) one of the best songs on the album. Ashanti sings on “Start This Shit Off Right” and this was one of the songs on the original song list released in 2014, but sung with Christina Milian. This tune is your party track. Its upbeat, fun has an R&B flow; what more could you ask for? The beat gives me straight 2000’s music video vibes with a fancy party with the artist rapping amongst beautiful women.

 Personally, one of my favorite tracks on the album is “Let It All Work Out” (the last track on the album). The biggest reason why this is my favourite is that it features a sample of one of my favorite British singer-songwriters Sampha who has been sampled and featured before by Wayne's good friend Drake.  Also, this track dives deep into Wayne's suicidal past, telling the story of his suicide attempt when Wayne was only 12. The mixing on this track is crazy and ends with his mother's voice saying, “love you, Dwayne.” I loved that the way the album started was the way it ended, he did take you on full circle journey with this album.

Juenelle Barkie is a second-year student here in the MBM program.  This is her second time being a journalist with Volume 11, and she cannot be more excited. She has a small journalist background; attending a journalism program at a college in Toronto before ending up at here at Durham College. Juenelle loves anime, music, books, cars, her family, and food.  

This year, she looks forward to bringing you all great content from shows from around the GTA. She believes we are so blessed to live in a time and era with so much talent and many musicians following their hearts. This playlist that she has put together is what represents her currently being a busy student learning, working, and growing as a person. She has songs that she listens to when she has had a rough day when she needs a little push to finish what she is doing, and songs for when her day is just getting started. She hopes you all enjoy and she would love for you all to come on this journey with our team here at Volume 11 and The Music Vault.

Bon Appétit – Shaun Frank ft YA-LE

This song I heard on the radio not too long ago and I have been hooked. I love the beat and the singing. This song reminds me of the opening to an older anime called Bakemonogatari an anime I watched this summer called Urahara. It’s cute, fun and easy to listen to.

  BOSS – The Carters

Now I normally don’t care for Beyoncé (see my article from last year) and the music she puts out. YES, I DID JUST SAY THAT! I will say that the album that her and Jay Z released together is actually quite good. It could be that they seem to be embarking on this raw “woke” path, it could be that their music actually resonates with me, but I am not too sure what it is; what I do know is that I love this song in particular for its brass section in the end. I imagine a southern marching band having fun and making great music.  

  FRIENDS – The Carters

This song was picked because it reminds me of my friends and me. We don’t get a lot of time to see each other, but when we do we pick right back up where we left off. My small circle and I have been in each other’s lives for over 10 years, we continue to be at each other’s side as we move forward in life.

  Energy (Stay Far Away) – Skepta

I’ve always listened to London artist and their music. Skepta is a grime rapper who’s been around the London music scene for years now. I am so very happy that London artist is gaining a bigger audience here in Toronto. This song was picked for its beat and message.

  Down –R.K.M & Ken-Y

This goes back to 2006 around the time when many were listening to Daddy Yankee. I have always loved reggaetón and still do. This song for me is a classic; when it’s been a long day I would play this song to help energize me. The song has a bit of a corny vibe, but still a great song none the less.

  If You Think Your Lonely Now – Bobby Womack

I CAN NOT GET ENOUGH OF THIS SONG! It’s not really a love song, but the guitar in this song is very simple and repetitive, but somehow, I just love it. I continue to scream this song at the top of my lungs. It is old, older than I am, but man is it spectacular.

  It Tears Me Up – Percy Sledge

I, fortunately, am not going through a rough time with my partner and I am not sad; I simply love old songs. For me, the instrumental arrangement is too perfect; the brass, the percussion, guitars, and vocals blend together so beautifully. This is played during those early mornings or even during a late night.

  I Walk Alone – Marijata

This artist is a Ghanaian afrobeat band from the 70’s; I wish I had a chance to see this band live. This song isn’t too upbeat, but it has a nice rhythm. I chose this song because it speaks to me and who I am as a person. I don’t mind going to movies and shows alone; since I hardly get to see my girlfriends and my partner is in a different end of the city, it only makes sense.

  Too Sweet – Holla Bak

If you like island music such as Soca, Dancehall, and Reggae you’ll love this song. I came out of the womb a soca baby and I will die a soca baby. This is a nice groovy soca to kick up to.

  Black Is Beautiful – Chronixx

The title says it all. I picked this song because of the society we live in. If and when you listen to this song pay attention to the lyrics and you shall understand. I hope this song becomes bigger than it is. Its message is something that many need to hear and understand.

  Check out Juenelle’s “Get to Know Me” playlist on Volume 11’s Spotify: